When a charge will be applied
A chargeable cost will be applied if it is the result of a repair, works or additional costs from the action or non-action, either wilful or accidental, of a tenant or leaseholder or persons they have responsibility for such as relatives or visitors.
A chargeable cost can be identified when:
- It is reported by a resident.
- It is seen during a pre, post or empty home inspection.
- It is visible during a tenancy review visit.
- It is reported by a member of staff or contractor.
Chargeable costs include but are not limited to:
- Blocked drains, waste and soil pipes that have resulted in a blockage from misuse.
- Replacement locks when the keys have been lost.
- Boarding up broken windows.
- Repairs required following a tenant ending their tenancy.
- Removal of rubbish, unwanted items or belongings following a tenant ending their tenancy.
- Remedial work to correct the installation or removal of fixtures and fittings without consent being obtained.
- Repair work identified following a mutual exchange, when the tenant had signed a disclaimer confirming that they were accepting the property as seen.
- A repair being reported as an emergency or urgent, when it is subsequently confirmed that it is not a genuine emergency as per our Repairs and Maintenance Policy.
- No response to service correspondence for mandatory testing and servicing such as annual gas service, electrical testing, that result in a warrant being applied for, and entry granted.
- Criminal damage, unless a valid Police crime reference number is received.
A chargeable cost may also be applied if:
- It is in response to a health and safety matter. Examples include work required following the removal of internal walls or unsafe, unauthorised electrical work.
- It is in response to a security matter. Examples include making good insecure external doors or windows to minimise further damage to a property.
- There is likelihood of significant property deterioration if the work is not completed.
If repeated or regular chargeable costs are received for the same address, then this information will be shared with the relevant housing neighbourhood team for them to contact the resident and establish if the household require any additional support and discuss options to prevent further damage and costs.